Lobbyist disclosure bill still alive after compromise

NASHVILLE (AP) — Lobbying ethics legislation that appeared to be going nowhere may have another chance after state senators reached a compromise Tuesday.

A bill to make lobbyists disclose how much they spend wining and dining lawmakers could be reconsidered in the Senate— but only if the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, steps aside.

Republicans, who hold a 17-16 majority in the Senate, have been angry at Herron for accusing them of playing politics with ethics legislation.

Under the compromise, Democratic Sen. Steve Cohen of Memphis would replace Herron as a sponsor, and Republican Sen. Diane Black of Gallatin would be added to the bill.

The deal was confirmed by Cohen and by Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey of Blountville.

“The Senate Republicans have assured me that if I’m the sponsor, they’ll feel more comfortable about the bill having a fair hearing and the conference committee being composed of a bipartisan group that can deal with it,” Cohen said. “I believe them.”

Herron did not say whether he would step aside.

“I think the Republicans who killed lobbying ethics, just like they killed campaign finance ethics this session, are feeling the heat and they’re looking to shift some of the blame from themselves,” Herron said.

The bill’s companion in the House is carried by Democratic Majority Leader Kim McMillan of Clarksville. She told The Associated Press that she had not spoken with Herron about the developments.

“I’m still very serious about lobbyist disclosure, and I intend to move forward with my bill,” she said. “I enjoy working with Sen. Herron, and I hope he’s still the sponsor.”

The Senate also voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a separate ethics bill that forces lobbyists to disclose spending in seven broad areas, but does not require itemized disclosure. But this bill has virtually no chance to be approved in the House.

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Read HB1133/SB0535 and SB1251/HB1086 at http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/